R.I.P., King of the Daredevils

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) - Evel Knievel, the red-white-and-blue-spangled motorcycle daredevil whose jumps over crazy obstacles including Greyhound buses, live sharks and Idaho's Snake River Canyon made him an international icon in the 1970s, died Friday. He was 69.

Knievel's death was confirmed by his granddaughter, Krysten Knievel. He had been in failing health for years, suffering from diabetes and pulmonary fibrosis, an incurable condition that scarred his lungs.

Knievel had undergone a liver transplant in 1999 after nearly dying of hepatitis C, likely contracted through a blood transfusion after one of his bone-shattering spills.

Longtime friend and promoter Billy Rundel said Knievel had trouble breathing at his Clearwater condominium and died before an ambulance could get him to a hospital.

"It's been coming for years, but you just don't expect it. Superman just doesn't die, right?" Rundel said.

Immortalized in the Washington's Smithsonian Institution as "America's Legendary Daredevil," Knievel was best known for a failed 1974 attempt to jump Snake River Canyon on a rocket-powered cycle and a spectacular crash at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas. He suffered nearly 40 broken bones before he retired in 1980.

Though Knievel dropped off the pop culture radar in the '80s, the image of the high-flying motorcyclist clad in patriotic, star-studded colors was never erased from public consciousness. He always had fans and enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in recent years.

I enjoyed watching Evel Knievel perform his death defying stunts during TV specials in the 70s. My buddies and I would even tool around on our bicycles pretending we were a gang of stunt bike riders (my short lived gig was crashing my bike into my family's backyard fence). My buddies and I even had our own Evel Knievel action figures (they weren't dolls, you know) with wind-up motorcycles and had them reenact his stunts. Knievel toys accounted for more than $300 million in sales in the 1970s and 80s. Of course, my Evel Knievel action figure "retired" way before the real Daredevil retired.

"No king or prince has lived a better life," he said in a May 2006 interview with The Associated Press. "You're looking at a guy who's really done it all. And there are things I wish I had done better, not only for me but for the ones I loved."

R.I.P., King of the Daredevils.

Hunters Are Misunderstood Environmentalists

I consider myself an average hunter, who doesn't get to hunt too often. I've actually taken a liking to pheasant hunting, however; I grew up bow hunting White tail deer in the Rocky Mountains. Every year I'd go hunting with my dad, uncles, cousins, and other kinfolk. Admittedly, none of us were really good but there was plenty of good fellowship.

I miss those days. Our entire hunting trips had all the planning of a big-time military operation, all the equipment to go with it (I'll never forget the pain that goes into setting up a General Purpose Medium Tent) and I'll never forget my Uncle Dan (Linus), who would leave at before morning nautical twilight (BMNT) and return just after early evening nautical twilight (EENT), and always return empty handed. We affectionately referred to his expeditions as 'Linus waiting for the Great Pumpkin.' We all were a motley crew, a modern day Rat Patrol. Good times.

My pastors, who live in Olathe, Kansas and hunt in Kansas and Missouri, are big time bow hunters, and from what I can gather, are pretty good. They recently each got their bucks this past hunting season. They too share a camaraderie that is often found among hunters.

Recently another Politically Incorrect Guide has come out. This one is a guide to hunting. I haven't read the book but suspect that it'll be pretty good. I own a few of the guides and enjoy referring back to them every now and then. This one is written by Frank Miniter, a senior editor at Outdoor Life magazine and executive editor of American Hunter magazine. In an interview Mr. Miniter states,

"After more than a decade of researching and writing about hunting for Outdoor Life magazine, where I was a senior editor, and currently for American Hunter magazine, I've found that hunters are unheralded, misunderstood environmentalists. It was time for someone to journalistically find out what hunting does for wildlife, our ecosystems, and us. That is what I set out to do with The Politically Incorrect Guide to Hunting."

I am convinced that the "Rat Patrol" and Pastors Tony and Nathan are unheralded, misunderstood environmentalists.

No duh. And no D.

CHICAGO — There's no defense for how the Broncos allowed arrogance to dissolve into panic during the monumental collapse of a 37-34 overtime loss to the Chicago Bears.

"Being the football team that we hope we are, you've got to put those games away," Denver coach Mike Shanahan said Sunday.

No kidding. The Broncs are famous or infamous for letting go of comfortable lead.

In the third quarter, Devin Hester leaps over Broncos punter Todd Sauerbrun, who said earlier in the week that he wasn't afraid of Hester and would kick to him…

"That field is slippery as hell and you give (Hester) that much room in between us and I don't really have a chance," Sauerbrun said of Hester's 75-yard score. "You've just got to poke and hope."

Sauerbrun paused for a moment to reflect on the statement.

"Mostly hope," he said.

I'm afraid if the Broncos are sitting out of the postseason in six weeks, pondering how they lost their way in a bumbling AFC West, they can look back and find symbolism in Sauerbrun's face-plant into the Soldier Field grass.

I Think, Therefore I am (Cogito, ergo sum) or "I know you are but what am I"

Have you ever taken a formal logic class in the past? To be honest, I’ve never taken a formal philosophy, critical thinking, or logic class until recently. It was worth it as I improved my critical thinking skills. I found learning and identifying logical fallacies to be interesting and fun.

Everyone who has taken beginner's logic knows the old school fallacies - Non sequitur, Ad hoc post proctor ergo hoc; and in English: Appeal to Emotion/Fear, Begging the Question, Red Hearing, Slippery Slope, Straw Man, etc. Knowing the names of logical fallacies seems to make us smarter, however; knowing them in Latin, no doubt makes us seem brilliant and sparkles up our repartee.

It's not too hard to find examples of logical fallacies as impassioned people debate the hot issues: Iraq War, abortion, stem cell research, evolution, and intelligent design. I' ll have to take a closer look at the presidential candidates' debates. Anyway, I will periodically post recent examples of logical fallacies as I find them. If anything, it will help improve my critical thinking skills by learning, identifying, and avoiding the logical fallacy trap(s) that folks can fall into as they argue a position.

In the mean time here are a few new logical fallacies I came across. Learn these nifty phrases and start deploying them in all kinds of mundane household discussions; use them on your friends and family:

1) Plurium Stupidium: Fallacy of Much Stupidity. Consists of several stupid comments improperly grouped into one. Often, a single refutation is expected against all the nonsense.

Examples:

"Gas prices are so low today that I think I'll fill every container in my house to make my own strategic oil reserve by stockpiling all the gas in that nook next to the fireplace."

"We should let women rule the world because they drive cars better."

2) Petitio Kapowio: Fallacy of Begging to get Socked in the Nose. Consists of defending a position in a really irritating way, such that the opponent has no choice but to point out the logical error in a very physical and satisfying fashion.

Examples:

"Bring it, punk."

"Well, I'm right, and that's just how it is."

"Why are you REALLY arguing with me? Is it because you're scared?"

3) Consensus Minoritum: Appeal to Minority. The inverse of Appeal to the People (Argumentum ad Populum). Consists of an argument supported by its own lack of support.

Examples:

"That's what they all say. I can't believe you fell for it, too."

"The court ruled 8-1. The dissenting opinion, however, has some very choice arguments in support of my position."

4) Argumentum Dementum: Fallacy of Arguing from a Position or State of Dementia. Consists of arguments which accidentally make no sense and are not the fault of the arguments themselves. Argumentum Dementum is a very hard fallacy to spot.

Examples:

Major Premise: All cats are animals.
Minor Premise: Ginger is an animal.
Conclusion: Teeheehee!

"Due to my incredible good looks, remarkable intelligence, contagious charisma, discriminating good taste, and skill with a joystick, I will take over the world at this time tomorrow, and anyone who wants to stop me can ... teeheehee!"

A = B
B = C
Therefore, A = Teeheehee!

5) Refutatum ad Mortem: Fallacy of Arguing a Point to the Death. Consists of an argument issued from the mouth of one who has been arguing so long he no longer knows what he is saying.

Examples:

"I'm not sure what you just said because my ears are ringing so loud from all the caffeine, but I'm sure it's wrong."

"Just oooooooooooooooooooone more jelly donut. Then I'll stop. This time I mean it. I'm really going to stop."

"Medicare, Medicaid, and the environment ... Medicare, Medicaid, and the environment ... Medicare, Medicaid, and the environment ..."

6) Argumentum ad Baculum Squidium Magnus: Fallacy of Fear of Giant Squid. Consists of an emotional appeal involving a giant squid; this fallacy typically involves said squid falling from the sky. Also known as Secundum Squid.

Examples:

"I would love to get a driver's license, but I don't want to risk having a giant squid fall on me in the middle of the test."

"You're so obsessed with people starving in Africa. What about those poor people in Kansas City? Why, a giant squid could gobble them up at any moment!"

A Thanksgiving Lesson from King Lear

Gratitude is a noble virtue; you have to respect yourself to be grateful to others. Only those who feel blessed can be filled with gratitude. It is a kind of courtesy of the heart.

William Shakespeare's most agonized play, King Lear, grapples with the ingratitude of Lear's daughters toward their royal father. It is an extended contemplation of the Elizabethan virtues of thankfulness and loyalty; and what happens when those virtues are lost. King Lear is betrayed by the older two daughters, who flatter his vanity, while misunderstanding the honest love of his youngest daughter Claudia. Lear is an object lesson in the debts we owe our loved ones.

The duty to "honor one's father and mother" was taken for granted for most of written history. It precedes the prohibition against murder, theft and adultery in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20: 2-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21).

As Shakespeare's aged King Lear is forced to wander over the stormy heath with only his trusted Fool for company, he cries out,

... filial ingratitude!

Is it not as this mouth should tear this hand

For lifting food to it? ...

Ingratitude is a revolt in the body of the family, as if the mouth bites the hand that feeds it.

No, I will weep no more. In such a night

To shut me out! Pour on! I will endure.

In such a night as this! O Regan, Goneril!

Your old kind father, whose frank heart gave all,-

O, that way madness lies; let me shun that;

No more of that.

Act 3, sc. 4, l. 11-4.

I don't want to take for granite my familial ties. I'm especially thankful for all that my mother and father have done for me the past 36+ years and continue to do!

Broncos Have Much to be Thankful for

DENVER — The last time a group was this thankful in late November, an all-you-can-eat turkey-and-dressing buffet broke out.

Give thanks. And pass the gravy, please.

Jay Cutler threw touchdown passes of 41 and 48 yards and little-known Glenn Martinez and Andre Hall added to Denver's slew of big scoring plays Monday night in a 34-20 victory over the Tennessee Titans.

The Broncos set a franchise record with four touchdowns of longer than 40 yards.

Yes, they're 5-5, and having a rough season; but who isn't in the AFC West. The Broncs are now tied for first place along side the San Diego Chargers. Things are still looking up for them, and the remaining schedule is not too difficult. However, the mother of all games at this point seems to be pointing towards San Diego on Christmas Eve. Spike my eggnog with a little bit of 'orange crush!'

Today In History - One of the Worst Cars of All Time

The Important Stuff:

Ford announced the end of the Edsel program on 19 November 1959. However, cars continued being produced until late in November, with the final tally at 2,846 1960 models.

On Friday, November 20, United Press International's (UPI) wire service reported that book values for used Edsels had decreased by as much as $400 [approximately $2800 in 2006 dollars] (based on condition and age) immediately following the Ford press release. In some newspaper markets, dealers scrambled to renegotiate newspaper advertising contracts involving the 1960 Edsel models, while others dropped the name from their dealership's advertising "slugs." Ford issued a statement that it would distribute coupons to consumers who purchased 1960 models (and carryover 1959 models) prior to the announcement, valued at $300 to $400 towards the purchase of new Ford products to offset the decreased values. The company also issued credits to dealers for stock unsold or received, following the announcement.

There is no single reason why the Edsel failed, and failed so spectacularly. Popular culture often faults the car’s styling. Consumer Reports cited poor workmanship. Marketing experts hold the Edsel up as a supreme example of corporate America’s failure to understand the nature of the American consumer. Business analysts cite the weak internal support for the product inside Ford’s executive offices.

Some historians claim the Edsel was 'the wrong car at the wrong time.' So, if there are any Edsel owners out there, I will gladly 'relieve' you of your poor investment at little or no cost.

Entertainers Who Support the Troops

Every once in awhile you hear about celebrities, be they movie stars or musicians, who praise the troops, visit the troops, or put together special projects for the troops. Here is one recent example:

John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting has brought together many musicians to produce a CD for the troops. Here's the skinny:

Just in time for the holidays, 13 major recording artists have created a musical “Thank You” for the troops.

“CD for the Troops” will be available for anyone with a valid military identification card to download at no cost from the Army and Air Force Exchange Service Web site, www.aafes.com, beginning tomorrow.

Getting this project, which combined the music of Billy Joel, Brooks & Dunn, the Goo Goo Dolls, Jewel, Josh Groban, Los Lonely Boys, Melissa Ethridge, the Neville Brothers, Sarah McLachlan, the Lt. Dan Band, Montgomery Gentry, The Fray, and Five For Fighting, to troops’ ears took true teamwork. John Ondrasik, the singer-songwriter who performs under the stage name “Five For Fighting,” was intimately involved with making sure that happened.

Several times during deployments, I had the opportunity to see and interact with celebrities. Although, I might not have agreed with their political leanings or really liked what they had to offer as far as entertainment goes, I took the time to visit with them and tell them how much I appreciated what they were doing to support the troops. I certainly admire those who support the troops, and tend to, more often then not, support them by listening to their music or seeing their movies.

Why I Love Opera

That Bugs Bunny, what an actor!

The Smith Center High School football team has won 51 games in a row and has outscored opponents this season, 704-0.

By JOE DRAPE

Published: November 9, 2007

SMITH CENTER, Kan., Nov. 7 — Their photos are on the cards traded over at the elementary school, and their exploits are on the lips of the old men who gather at the Second Cup Cafe each morning. They are the sons and grandsons of this north Kansas town, and for 30 autumns now, the Smith Center Redmen have puffed up the chests of folks here.

The Redmen have won three consecutive state championships. Hubbard Stadium attracts more than 1,600 people a home game.

They are a high school football team, a superb one that has won 51 games in a row and three consecutive state championships, and has outscored opponents this season, 704-0. They are more than that, however, to the 1,931 people here who all know one another’s names: The Redmen are proof that hard work and accountability still mean something.

The trading cards, for example, are not about hero worship. Each player and cheerleader signs a contract pledging to remain alcohol-, drug- and tobacco-free. If they break that promise, they must go to the elementary school to explain to the children why they were kicked off their team, and their cards are revoked.

Interest in the town’s youth is not limited to worshipful talk in its cafes, either. As many adults cruise Main Street as teenagers on weekends, and the Jiffy Burger remains a nexus for three generations of Smith Center denizens — except for Friday night, of course, when the Redmen (10-0) will travel to Oakley (11-0) to face the Plainsmen in a playoff game.

“What we do around here real well is raise kids,” Smith Center Coach Roger Barta said. “In fact, we do such a good job at it — and I’m talking about the parents and community — that they go away to school and succeed, and then pursue opportunities in the bigger cities.

“None of this is really about football,” he added. “We’re going to get scored on eventually, and lose a game, and that doesn’t mean anything. What I hope we’re doing is sending kids into life who know that every day means something.”

Like many small towns on the plains, Smith Center has struggled to retain its population. Its two biggest employers are Peterson Industries, which manufactures trailers and campers, and the school district itself, with 120 employees. Somehow, Smith Center added 43 children to its district, and its senior high school enrollment is 154 students, about evenly divided between boys and girls. More than 60 percent of the high school boys play football.

Some credit the growth to an ethanol plant that opened a year ago in nearby Phillipsburg and employs about 40 people, or the campus for transcendental meditation 12 miles northeast of here that will open in 2008.

Everyone agrees, however, that the main attraction is Coach Barta and the football program he has built amid wheat fields and water towers. Not only does Hubbard Stadium attract more than 1,600 people to watch his team each home game, but Barta’s scouting report for the coming opponent also becomes the hot topic of discussion throughout the week. This week for Oakley, it runs 28 pages and kicks off simply with, “This is the real deal, we must prepare well and quick.”

“We get it on Monday night,” said Joe Windscheffel, the Redmen’s senior quarterback. “As soon we get home, our dads start devouring it, and pretty soon, wherever you go in town, that’s all anyone is talking about.”

Barta, 62, is quick to smile and is a gentle sort with a honey baritone. Over 30 years here, he has won 273 games against 58 losses (an .825 winning percentage) and guided the Redmen to six state titles. He has had plenty of offers to move up and on, but instead he stayed and watched dozens of his boys go to play college football. One, Mark Simoneau, reached the National Football League.

“He looks and sounds like a math teacher, which he is, and is about as laid-back as they come,” Simoneau, a linebacker for the New Orleans Saints, said by telephone. “As good a coach as he is, he’s a better guy. He treats people like gold.”

Perhaps the best evidence of Barta’s hold on the town is the number of former players who have returned home each weekend for games and, in many cases, for a whole lot longer. Four of his former players teach here and coach alongside him.

“I left here and went to school and thought about doing a lot of different things,” said Brock Hutchinson, 33, whose father, Dennis, has been Barta’s top assistant for the past 30 years. “But the farther I got away and thought about other things, the more I wanted to come home. Coach Barta and my dad showed me how you can really impact a kid’s life as an educator.”

What Hutchinson and the others have returned to is a town with few distractions. The nearest McDonald’s is 90 minutes away, and the town’s lone theater gets a new movie every week, which it plays each night at 7:30. “Sometimes, though, if there’s only a few people there, they won’t even show it, and tell you to come back another night,” Windscheffel said.

There is timelessness to Smith Center football, as well. The Redmen rarely pass, and they operate the same wishbone offense they have used for 30 years. Last month, they received national notice when they scored 72 points in the first quarter against Plainville, breaking a national record set in 1925.

“We aren’t proud of it,” said Barta, who was born and raised in Plainville. “They had some turnovers that we took for touchdowns, and it just snowballed.”

Barta pulled his starting offense after his team’s third touchdown. He played his freshmen, but the touchdowns kept coming. So he told his young players to run out of bounds or fall to the ground if they got loose. Still, the final score was 83-0.

Barta is not even sure that this is the best Redmen team he has had. Not that long ago, Smith Center had more than 80 players and was in the bigger and more competitive Class 3A. In 1985, its conference, the Mid-Continent League, had three of its members win state championships — Norton (4A), Plainville (3A) and Victoria (2-1A).

Now, there are 46 Redmen, and they are playing in Class 2-1A. Two other Mid-Continent league schools will drop to the next and lowest class, eight-man football.

Barta considers this his favorite team. He has 12 seniors who have never lost a game in their high school careers.

“They like each other,” he said. “They are more like brothers than teammates.”

Win or lose against Oakley on Friday night, the pickup trucks with the sons and the daughters of Smith Center will be back cruising Main Street. Their moms and dads, aunts and grandfathers, will be nearby keeping a watchful eye.

“Sure, we like our football around here,” Barta said. “But we truly believe it takes a whole town to raise a child, and that’s worth a whole lot more.”

What I like about this team, this town:

1) Hard work and accountability are good things

2) A promise is a contractual agreement

3) Parenting is a top priority (the community is involved, I see this akin to when the Church body makes a commitment to help parents spiritually nurture their children. This is not the 'It takes a Village' government involvement mentality.

4) Teammates = brotherhood

5) Everyday is important